URGENT WARNING: Coyote That Attacked Two People in Saddle River Tests POSITIVE for Rabies—Check Your Pet’s Vaccines NOW!
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
SADDLE RIVER, NJ – An urgent public health alert has been issued for parts of Bergen County after a coyote captured following two separate attacks on humans last week tested positive for rabies, an almost always fatal viral disease.
The Northwest Regional Health Commission sent notice to local officials late Tuesday, confirming the presence of the virus in the coyote, which was euthanized after exhibiting abnormal behavior. A second deceased coyote was found nearby.
Details of the Saddle River Attacks
The attacks occurred in Saddle River late last week:
- Thursday: A resident near Chestnut Ridge Road and Werimus Road reported being attacked by a coyote while walking their dog.
- Friday Morning: A worker near Chestnut Ridge Road and North Church Road was also attacked by a coyote while walking a dog.
The Saddle River Police Department and animal experts subsequently located and captured one coyote that was “acting abnormally” and found another already deceased.
Rabies Confirmed: A Rare and Deadly Threat
Animal experts tested the captured animal, confirming the presence of rabies. This is a significant concern because rabies is rarely found in coyotes, making this a potentially heightened threat to other wildlife and domestic animals in the area.
Rabies is a preventable viral disease transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, and it infects the central nervous system, ultimately causing death. Immediate treatment is essential for anyone exposed.
The police stated that they will maintain a presence in the area to continue observation for any other sick or aggressive animals. The positive test result suggests the virus may have already spread to other creatures.
Safety First: Essential Guidance for Bergen County Residents
The Northwest Regional Health Commission strongly advises all residents, particularly those in the Chestnut Ridge Road, Werimus Brook Road, and North Church Road areas, to take immediate precautions.
Protecting Your Pets and Family
- Vaccination is the First Line of Defense: Immediately check your pet’s rabies vaccination status and ensure they are current. Rabies vaccination offers a high level of protection for dogs and cats.
- Be Mindful of Recently Vaccinated Pets: Dogs and cats are not considered fully immunized until 28 days after their initial vaccination. Keep newly vaccinated animals, and those under three months old, indoors or supervised.
- Avoid Unknown Animals: Never feed, touch, or approach wild or stray animals, including bats, skunks, raccoons, foxes, and groundhogs.
- Keep Pets Leashed: Always keep your dogs on a leash when outdoors to prevent encounters with wildlife.
What to Do in Case of Exposure
- Wash Immediately: If you or a family member are bitten or scratched by any wild or stray animal, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water immediately.
- Seek Medical Attention: Contact your doctor right away for medical attention and notify your local health department.
- Notify Authorities: Immediately notify the Saddle River Police Department (201-327-5300) about the incident.
- Contact Your Veterinarian: If you believe your pet has had an encounter with wildlife, consult your veterinarian immediately, even if your pet is vaccinated.
While the vast majority of rabies cases in New Jersey are found in raccoons, skunks, and bats, this incident underscores the need for vigilance against all potentially rabid wildlife.
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Hunting (or culling) is THE solution. But it will not happen. Every day, I do a squirrel vs. deer count while going to and from work. The deer always win. I never count the dead ones (squirrels or deer). Imagine? I’ll have to add coyotes to my counting game, I guess.